Allentown Bishop John O. Barres is among 16 bishops from Pennsylvania now in Rome for their “ad limina” visit -- a visit that includes a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.

Every five years a diocesan bishop is required to make what is called an “ad limina” visit as a sign of his communion with the Pope to report on the state of his diocese, according to a press release issued Friday.

The bishop also meets with officials of various Vatican departments to discuss spiritual, cultural, economic and sociological matters.

This is the third group of U.S. Bishops to make an ad limina visit since the U.S. round of visits began early last month. The bishops of the United States last made an ad limina visit in 2004

The Pennsylvania bishops met with Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday. This is Bishop Barres’ first ad limina visit and he’s been looking forward to it.

“The ad limina visit gives Bishops the chance to visit, pray and discuss the life of the Church and the world with the Holy Father and his representatives. The Masses that the Bishops celebrate together at the major Basilicas express the Eucharistic unity of the Church and the call to holiness and mission that every baptized person is called to,” he said in the release.

Meetings with the heads of the various Vatican congregations will continue through next week. Bishop Barres is due to return from Rome on Dec. 11.